Title

Presenters

Type of Submission

Poster

Keywords

DJI Mavic Pro, UAS, 3D models, waterfalls, drones, teaching aids

Abstract

This study explored the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to model and 3D print waterfalls and bedrock features for use as classroom teaching aids and for possible use in hydrology experiments involving flumes. To achieve the goals of this study, two waterfalls and one bedrock feature were photographed and 3D printed. The waterfalls were Ludlow Falls in Miami County, OH, and Cedar Cliff Falls in Greene County, OH. The bedrock feature was Lizard Head Rock near Sedona, AZ. The UAS platform that was flown was the DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter. A camera mounted on the copter had both videography and still-image photography capability. Additional photos were taken with a ground-based digital camera. Using readily available software including Agisoft photoScan, 3D builder, and Cura Lulzbot 3D printing software, images were stitched together to create files that could be used for 3D viewing on the computer and subsequently for 3D printing. Experimentation with 1) flight modes and flying conditions, 2) photography/videography conditions such as lighting, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed 3) image manipulation within the software programs, and 4) adjustments to 3D printer settings were all important aspects of this study. After 3D models were printed using a LulzBot Mini 3D printer, their capability for use as classroom teaching aids and for use in flume experiments were judged. The adjustments associated with each of the four experimental features listed above and the production of the final 3D printed models were very encouraging and clearly indicate that there is value in their use in the classroom as a visual teaching aids. The desire to use the waterfall models in hydrology experiments is leading to the creation of properly designed flumes and interest in soluble filament options for 3D printing. Further refinements to the flying, photographic, software, and printing techniques will presumably produce even better products in the near future.

Included in

Share

COinS

Apr 11th, 11:00 AMApr 11th, 2:00 PM

The Use of Drones for Creating 3D Models of Waterfalls and Bedrock Features, with Particular Attention to Process and Teaching Applications

Cedarville, OH

This study explored the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to model and 3D print waterfalls and bedrock features for use as classroom teaching aids and for possible use in hydrology experiments involving flumes. To achieve the goals of this study, two waterfalls and one bedrock feature were photographed and 3D printed. The waterfalls were Ludlow Falls in Miami County, OH, and Cedar Cliff Falls in Greene County, OH. The bedrock feature was Lizard Head Rock near Sedona, AZ. The UAS platform that was flown was the DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter. A camera mounted on the copter had both videography and still-image photography capability. Additional photos were taken with a ground-based digital camera. Using readily available software including Agisoft photoScan, 3D builder, and Cura Lulzbot 3D printing software, images were stitched together to create files that could be used for 3D viewing on the computer and subsequently for 3D printing. Experimentation with 1) flight modes and flying conditions, 2) photography/videography conditions such as lighting, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed 3) image manipulation within the software programs, and 4) adjustments to 3D printer settings were all important aspects of this study. After 3D models were printed using a LulzBot Mini 3D printer, their capability for use as classroom teaching aids and for use in flume experiments were judged. The adjustments associated with each of the four experimental features listed above and the production of the final 3D printed models were very encouraging and clearly indicate that there is value in their use in the classroom as a visual teaching aids. The desire to use the waterfall models in hydrology experiments is leading to the creation of properly designed flumes and interest in soluble filament options for 3D printing. Further refinements to the flying, photographic, software, and printing techniques will presumably produce even better products in the near future.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.